Messenger tests feature that doesn't need Facebook: report

With over one billion users, Facebook Messenger is already one of the most popular messaging services in the world. Now, the company is reportedly testing a new feature that will let you use the app to connect with others who aren't on already Facebook.

According to BuzzFeed, the company is testing a new "Add Contact" feature that will let users save the information of others without adding the person as a friend on the social network. 

Users of the company's Messenger app on Android can already use Facebook Messenger as a replacement for Android's default texting, or SMS, app. This type of expansion would further allow Facebook to integrate itself as the communications hub of people's lives.

It is unknown if the add a contact feature will come to both the iOS and Android apps. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Messenger is an important area for the company as it looks for new avenues of growth. Earlier this year the company introduced "chatbots" to allow users to interact with businesses from the app.

The company is also prepping its own digital assistant, known as M, which runs inside the Messenger app. The assistant is the company's answer to rival smart assistants Siri and Alexa and can do everything from look up information to arranging appointments.

Follow Eli Blumenthal on Twitter @eliblumenthal